External ear canal voice detection

ABSTRACT

Ear-level full duplex audio communication systems each include one or two ear attachment devices, such as in-the-ear (ITE) or behind-the-ear (BTE) devices, that wirelessly communicates to a remote device such as a computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, a walkie talkie, or a language translator. When used as a hearing aid, such a system allows a hearing impaired individual to communicate with or through the remote device, such as to talk to another person through a cellular phone. When being used as an ear piece wirelessly extended from the remote device, such system allows an individual with normal hearing to privately communicate with or through the remote device without the need of holding the device or wearing any device wired to the remote device. Each ear attachment device includes a voice operated exchange (VOX), housed within the device, to preserve energy and hence, maximize the period between battery replacement or recharges. The VOX also gates various sounds detected by the system to control possible echoes and ringing.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional under 37 C.F.R. 1.53(b) of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/660,454, filed Sep. 11, 2003, which isincorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document generally relates to ear-level communication systems andparticularly, but not by way of limitation, to such systemscommunicating with remote devices via full duplex audio.

BACKGROUND

Ear-level communication systems are used for hearing impairedindividuals to use a communication device such as a cellular phone orother devices transmitting audio signals. They also allow private,hand-free use of such a communication device by individuals with normalhearing.

An ear-level communication system generally includes tethered orwireless headsets with a microphone boom or a microphone within a cordof the headset to detect voice of the person wearing the headsets. Analternative way to detect voice is via bone connection. Examples includea “clam” shell device that couples to the helix and a custom earmoldwith a vibration detector on the outer shell. Voice is picked up bydetecting bone vibration caused by, and representative of, the voice ofthe person wearing the device.

Bi-directional communication has been achieved by a simplex systemincluding a device in the ear canal that both transmits sound to andpicks up sound within the ear canal. The device is tethered to apush-to-talk (PTT) system such as a walkie talkie. It is not full duplexand therefore requires interaction by the user in order to switch fromlisten mode to talk mode.

Voice operated exchange (VOX) is used to conserve energy when voice isnot being detected or transmitted. For example, a headset systemincludes two ear pieces—for full duplex communication with one earpiecefor transmitting and the other for receiving voice—and uses ear canalvoice detection to trigger a VOX circuit in a control unit wired to theheadset. The system requires a headset with two headphones and wiresconnecting the headphone to a control unit such as a device clipped onbelt. In another example, a full duplex system includes a singleheadphone to transmit and receive voice, again with a VOX circuit in acontrol unit wired to the headphone.

Such ear-level communication systems are likely to be worn by person forlog periods of time. Users with hearing loss may use such a system on aregular basis, both as a conventional hearing aid allowing communicationdirectly with a person and as a hearing aid allowing communicatingthrough another device. Users with normal hearing may wear such a systemto be communicatively connected to another person or facility withoutthe need to hold a device at any time. For appearance or secrecyreasons, minimal visibility is generally desirable. Wired connectionbetween a headset or earpiece and a controller makes the system easilyvisible and is cumbersome to users who need to communicate while beingphysically active.

Thus, there is a need for an ear-level communication system that is noteasily visible. A need related to miniaturization is that the longevityof the system between battery replacements or recharges.

SUMMARY

Ear-level full duplex audio communication systems each include one ortwo ear attachment devices, such as in-the-ear (ITE) or behind-the-ear(BTE) devices, that wirelessly communicates to a remote device. Such asystem allows a hearing impaired individual to communicate with orthrough the remote device, such as to talk to another person through acellular phone. Such a system also functions as an ear piece wirelesslyextended from the remote device that allows an individual to privatelycommunicate with or through the remote device without the need ofholding the device.

In one embodiment, a system includes an earmold configured for use as anITE device. The earmold houses a microphone for use in an ear canal, aprocessor, and a wireless transmitter. The microphone receives anoccluded sound from about the ear canal. The processor processes theoccluded sound. The wireless transmitter receives the processed occludedsound from the processor and transmits a wireless signal representingthe occluded sound.

In one embodiment, a system includes an ITE module and a BTE moduleattached to the ITE module. The ITE module includes a microphone for usein an ear canal. The microphone receives an occluded sound from aboutthe ear canal. The BTE module includes a processor and a wirelesstransmitter. The processor processes the occluded sound. The wirelesstransmitter receives the processed occluded sound from the processor andtransmits a wireless signal representing the occluded sound.

In one embodiment, a system includes a first ear-level device and asecond ear-level device for use in two opposite ears. The firstear-level device includes a microphone, a first processor, and awireless transmitter. The microphone is for use in one ear canal toreceive an occluded sound from about that ear canal. The first processorconverts the occluded sound to an electrical signal. The wirelesstransmitter receives the electrical signal and transmits an outgoingwireless signal representing the occluded sound. The second ear-leveldevice includes a wireless receiver, a second processor, and a speaker.The wireless receiver receives an incoming wireless signal representinga remote sound. The second processor converts the incoming wirelesssignal to the remote sound. The speaker is for use in the opposite earcanal to transmit the remote sound to that ear canal.

In one embodiment, an occluded sound is detected using a microphoneplaced in an ear canal. An incoming radio signal representing a remotesound from a remote device is also detected. A voice operated exchange(VOX) housed within an ear-level communication device is started when atleast one of the occluded sound and the incoming radio signal isdetected if the VOX is not already on. The ear-level communicationdevice includes one of an ITE device and a BTE device. When the occludedsound is detected while the incoming radio signal is not detected, theoccluded sound is gated on, and remote sound is gated off. When theincoming radio signal is detected while the occluded sound is notdetected, the remote sound is gated on, and the occluded sound is gatedoff.

This Summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the presentapplication and not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive treatmentof the present subject matter. Further details about the present subjectmatter are found in the detailed description and appended claims. Otheraspects of the invention will be apparent to persons skilled in the artupon reading and understanding the following detailed description andviewing the drawings that form a part thereof, each of which are not tobe taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention isdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralsdescribe similar components throughout the several views. The drawingsillustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation,various embodiments discussed in the present document.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of an ear-level communicationsystem and portions of an environment in which it is used. Thisear-level communication system uses a single ear-level device.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an embodiment of another ear-levelcommunication system and portions of an environment in which it is used.This ear-level communication system uses a pair of ear-level devices.

FIG. 3A is an illustration of one exemplary exterior configuration of anin-the-ear (ITE) device used as the single ear-level device of FIG. 1 orone of the pair of ear-level devices of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3B is an illustration of one exemplary exterior configuration of anin-the-canal (ITC) device used as the single ear-level device of FIG. 1or one of the pair of ear-level devices of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3C is an illustration of one exemplary exterior configuration of acompletely-in-the-canal (CIC) device used as the single ear-level deviceof FIG. 1 or one of the pair of ear-level devices of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the circuit ofear-level device shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, or 3C used as the singleear-level device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram showing one embodiment of portions of a voiceoperated exchange (VOX) circuit included in the single ear-level deviceof FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the circuit ofear-level device shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, or 3C used as the pair ofear-level devices of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of one exemplary exterior configuration of anear-level device including a behind-the-ear (BTE) device used as thesingle ear-level device of FIG. 1 or one of the pair of ear-leveldevices of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the circuit of theear-level device shown in FIG. 6 used as the single ear-level device ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the circuit ofear-level device shown in FIG. 6 used as the pair of ear-level devicesof FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for audiocommunication between the single ear-level device or the pair ofear-level devices and a remote device.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating another embodiment of the methodfor audio communication between the single ear-level device and a remotedevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is tobe understood that the embodiments may be combined, or that otherembodiments may be utilized and that structural, logical and electricalchanges may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. The following detailed description provides examples,and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claimsand their equivalents.

It should be noted that references to “an”, “one”, or “various”embodiments in this disclosure are not necessarily to the sameembodiment, and such references contemplate more than one embodiment.

This document discusses, among other things, ear-level full duplex audiocommunication systems for communicating with remote devices. Thesesystems each include one or two ear-level devices each worn in or aboutan ear, such as in-the-ear (ITE) or behind-the-ear (BTE) devices,wirelessly coupled to a remote device such as a computer, a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, a walkie talkie, or alanguage translator. When used as a hearing aid, such a system allows ahearing impaired individual to communicate with or through the remotedevice, such as to talk to another person through a cellular phone. Whenbeing used as an ear piece wirelessly extended from the remote device,such system allows an individual with normal hearing to privatelycommunicate with or through the remote device without the need ofholding the device or wearing any device wired to the remote device.

In this document, “voice” includes to the sound of speech made by aperson, and sound generally includes an audible signal that includesvoice and other signals that can be heard and/or detected by an audiodetector. Unless particularly indicated, for example, when voice isdistinguished from sound by speech recognition, “voice” and “sound” areused interchangeably throughout thus document because they are notpractically separated. For example, detection of a sound refers to thesame action as detection of a voice because, while the purpose is todetect the voice, other sounds are picked up as well.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of an ear-level communicationsystem 100 and portions of an environment in which it is used. System100 includes an ear-level device 110 attached to an ear 101A. Ear-leveldevice 110 communicates with a remote device 190 through a wirelesstelemetry link 195. The other ear 101B is free of device attachment.Ear-level device 110 is a self-contained device including its own powersource such as a replaceable or rechargeable battery. To maximizebattery life or period between recharges, at least a portion of thecircuit of ear-level device 110 is voice activated. That is, ear-leveldevice 110 is activated only when it detects a need to transmit orreceive a sound.

Ear-level device 110 is a full duplex audio device that allows two-waysimultaneous conversation between ear 101A and remote device 190. In oneembodiment, when being worn by a person having ear 101A, ear-leveldevice 110 picks up sound from the ear canal of ear 101A and deliverssound to the same ear canal. It detects the occluded sound from the earcanal when the person speaks and transmits to the same ear canal a soundreceived from remote device 190 and/or a sound picked up from theenvironment surrounding the person. In one embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 1, ear-level device 110 is configured for right ear attachment. Inan alternative embodiment, ear-level device 110 is configured for leftear attachment.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an embodiment of an ear-level communicationsystem 200 and portions of an environment in which it is used. System200 includes a pair of ear-level devices 210A, attached to an ear 101A,and 210B, attached to ear 101B. Ear-level devices 210A and 210Bcommunicate with a remote device 290 through a wireless telemetry link295. Ear-level devices 210A and 210B are each a self-contained deviceincluding its own power source such as a replaceable or rechargeablebattery. To maximize battery life or period between recharges, at leasta portion of the circuit of each of ear-level devices 210A and 210B isvoice activated. That is, ear-level devices 210A and 210B are eachactivated only when a need to transmit or receive a sound is detected bythe device itself.

In one embodiment, ear-level device 210A is an audio transmitter thatpicks up sound from the ear canal of ear 101A, and ear-level device 210Bis an audio receiver that delivers sound to the same ear canal.Ear-level device 210A is activated when it detects a sound from the earcanal. Ear-level device 210B is activated when it detects a signal fromremote device 290. When both are being worn by a person, ear-leveldevices 210A and 210B supports full duplex audio allowing two-waysimultaneous conversation between the person and remote device 290. Inone embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, ear-level device 210A isconfigured for right ear attachment, and ear-level device 210B isconfigured for left ear attachment. In an alternative embodiment,ear-level device 210A is configured for left ear attachment, andear-level device 210B is configured for right ear attachment.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are illustrations of exemplary exteriorconfiguration of ear-level device 110 or one of ear-level devices 210Aand 210B. For the purpose of this document, only a device attached to aright ear is shown for each exemplary exterior configuration. It is tobe understood that each of ear-level devices 110, 210A, and 210B can beeither a device configured for right ear attachment or a deviceconfigured for left ear attachment. Generally, a device configured forright ear attachment has an exterior configuration that is substantiallysymmetrical to that of a device of the same type configured for left earattachment. In system 100, a single ear-level device 110 is a deviceconfigured either for right ear attachment or for left ear attachment.In system 200, either one of ear-level device 210A and 210B is a deviceconfigured for right ear attachment, while the other is a deviceconfigured for left ear attachment.

An occluded sound 305, an ambient sound 306, and a remote sound 307 areillustrated in each of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C. Remote sound 307 isrepresented by a wireless radio signal transmitted to ear-level device110. In this document, “occluded sound” includes occluded sound 305,“ambient sound” includes ambient sound 306, and “remote sound” includesremote sound 307.

FIG. 3A is an illustration of an exemplary exterior configuration of anin-the-ear (ITE) device 310A used as ear-level device 110 or one ofear-level devices 210A and 210B. As shown in FIG. 3A, ITE device 310A isattached to an ear 101 with a pinna 302 and an ear canal 303. ITE device310A includes a portion inserted into ear canal 303 and another portionfit into the cavity formed by pinna 302.

FIG. 3B is an illustration of an exemplary exterior configuration of anin-the-canal (ITC) device 310B used as ear-level device 110 or one ofear-level devices 210A and 210B. As shown in FIG. 3B, ITC device 310B isattached to ear 101 with pinna 302 and ear canal 303. ITC device 310B isa form of ITE device that also includes a portion inserted in ear canal303 and another portion fit into the cavity formed by pinna 302, but thelatter portion is smaller than that of ITE device 310A. Its overall sizeis therefore generally smaller than that of ITE device 310A.

FIG. 3C is an illustration of an exemplary exterior configuration of acompletely-in-the-canal (CIC) device 310C used as ear-level device 110or one of ear-level devices 210A and 210B. As shown in FIG. 3C, CICdevice 310C is attached to ear 101 with pinna 302 and ear canal 303. CICdevice 310C is a form of ITC device but includes only a portion that iscompleted inserted into ear canal 303. Its overall size is thereforegenerally smaller than that of ITC device 310B.

In one embodiment, each of ITE device 310A, ITC device 310B, and CICdevice 310C includes a custom earmold. In another embodiment, each ofITE device 310A, ITC device 310B, and CIC device 310C includes a modularearmold. In one embodiment, the earmold is fully occluded to maximizeaudio efficiency. In another embodiment, the earmold is vented to removeundesirable low frequency sound.

The choice of a device type, such as from the types shown in FIGS. 3A,3B, and 3C, depends on the need of individual users. For example, ITEdevice 310A has a relatively large size to accommodate a relativelylarge amplifier to serve the need of individuals suffering severehearing loss. The relatively large size can also be utilized to house arelatively large size battery. On the other hand, CIC device 310C isalmost invisible, while the room for the circuit and the battery is verylimited. Generally, the selection of the device type is a compromiseamong considerations such as the user's degree of hearing loss (ifapplicable), ear canal size, desire of invisibility, desired longevitybetween battery replacements or recharges, and cost.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the circuit ofear-level device shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, or 3C used as the singleear-level device 110. The circuit is housed in an earmold configured foruse as one of the device types illustrated as ear-level devices 310A,310B, or 310C.

Ear-level device 110 includes an external microphone 420, an ear canalmicrophone 440, an ear canal speaker 470, a processor 460, a wirelesstransceiver 450, an antenna 455, a voice operated exchange (VOX) circuit430, and a battery 480. External microphone 420 picks up ambient soundsuch that a hearing impaired person wearing ear-level device 110 is not“isolated” when communicating to remote device 190. Thus, ear-leveldevice enables the hearing impaired person to talk to another personeither directly (if the other person is nearby) or through a device suchas a cell phone. Ear canal microphone 440 detects sound from the earcanal. The sound includes primarily speech of the person wearingear-level device 110. Ear canal speaker 470 transmits sound receivedfrom remote device 190 and/or external microphone 420 to the same earcanal. In one embodiment, ear canal microphone 440 and ear canal speaker470 are implemented as one physical device. Processor 460 converts thesound picked up from the ear canal to an electrical signal to betransmitted to remote device 190, and converts the signals received fromremote device 190 and/or external microphone 420 to a sound audible tothe person wearing ear-level device 110. In one embodiment, processor460 includes one or more of amplification circuitry, filteringcircuitry, acoustic feedback reduction circuitry, noise reductioncircuitry, and tone control circuitry, among other circuits performingsignal processing functions as known in the art. In one embodiment,processor 460 includes a speech recognition module to enhance the audiosignal received by and/or transmitted from ear-level device 110.Wireless transceiver 450 and antenna 455 form a telemetry interfacesupporting telemetry link 195 between ear-level device 110 and remotedevice 190. Wireless transceiver 450 includes a wireless transmitter anda wireless receiver. The wireless transmitter receives the electricalsignal representing the sound picked up from the ear canal fromprocessor 460 and transmits an outgoing wireless signal representing thesame sound to remote device 190. The wireless receiver receives anincoming wireless signal representing a remote sound from remote device190 and transmits an electrical signal representing the remote sound toprocessor 460. Telemetry link 195 provides for bi-directionalcommunication allowing simultaneous signal transmission, in bothdirections, between ear-level device 110 and remote device 190. VOXcircuit 430 activates a major portion of ear-level device 110 only whensound is detected by at least one of external microphone 420, ear canalmicrophone 440, and wireless transceiver 450. In one embodiment, VOXcircuit 430 includes a voice-controlled switch connecting betweenbattery 480 and the portions of ear-level device 110 that are voiceactivated. The switch is driven by the sound detected by at least one ofexternal microphone 420, ear canal microphone 440, and wirelesstransceiver 450. It is turned on when sound detected by externalmicrophone 420 exceeds a predetermined threshold, when sound detected byear canal microphone 440 exceeds another predetermined threshold, and/orwhen wireless transceiver 450 receives the incoming wireless signalrepresenting the remote sound. In one embodiment, as discussed withrespect to FIG. 4B below, VOX circuit 430 gates or attenuates one ormore sounds detected by external microphone 420, ear canal microphone440, and wireless transceiver 450, to eliminate or reduce echo andringing caused by the loop formed by ear canal speaker 470 and ear canalmicrophone 440. Battery 480 supplies the power needed for the operationof ear-level device 110. In one embodiment, battery 480 is arechargeable battery that can be recharged without being taken out fromear-level device 110.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram showing one embodiment of portions of VOXcircuit 430. In this embodiment, VOX circuit 430 includes an ambientsound gating module 421 that blanks or attenuates the sound detected byexternal microphone 420, an occluded sound gating module 441 that blanksor attenuates the sound detected by ear canal microphone 440, a remotesound gating module 451 that blanks or attenuates the sound detected bywireless transceiver 450, and controller 431 to coordinate the states ofthe gating modules. Because ear canal microphone 440 is capable ofdetecting the sound delivered to the ear canal from ear canal speaker470, there is a need to avoid echo and/or ringing. For example, a remotesound from remote device 190 delivered to the ear canal may be detectedas an occluded sound and transmitted back to remote device 190, causingecho. The gating modules function in a coordinated manner to eliminateor reduce such echo and/or ringing caused by breaking, or applyingresistance into, the audio loop formed by ear canal speaker 470 and earcanal microphone 440.

For the purpose of description, each of the gating modules is “on” whensound is “gated on” and “off” when the sound is “gated off.” A sound is“gated on” when it is allowed to pass and be processed, and is “gatedoff” when it is blanked or substantially attenuated. Blanking refers toa substantially complete blockage of a sound, or in other words, that adetected sound is practically ignored by processor 460 such that it doesnot cause any echo or ringing that is audible by an ear. Substantialattenuation refers to an attenuation after which the attenuated sounddoes not cause any echo or ringing having an intolerable intensity.

Ambient sound gating module 421 includes a voice-driven switch orattenuator driven by the output of a comparator that compares theamplitude of a detected ambient sound with a predetermined threshold forthe ambient sound. When the amplitude of the detected ambient soundexceeds the threshold for the ambient sound, and when controller 431permits, ambient sound gating module 421 is turned on. When theamplitude of the detected ambient sound drops below the threshold forthe ambient sound, ambient sound gating module 421 is turned off. In oneembodiment, after the amplitude of the detected ambient sound dropsbelow the threshold for the ambient sound, ambient sound gating module421 is turned off after a predetermined delay.

Occluded sound gating module 441 includes a voice-driven switch orattenuator driven by the output of a comparator that compares theamplitude of a detected occluded sound with a predetermined thresholdfor the occluded sound. When the amplitude of the detected occludedsound exceeds the threshold for the occluded sound, and when controller431 permits, occluded sound gating module 441 is turned on. When theamplitude of the detected occluded sound drops below the threshold forthe occluded sound, occluded sound gating module 441 is turned off. Inone embodiment, after the amplitude of the detected occluded sound dropsbelow the threshold for the occluded sound, occluded sound gating module441 is turned off after a predetermined delay.

In one embodiment, remote sound gating module 451 includes avoice-driven switch or attenuator driven by the output of a comparatorthat compares the amplitude of a remote sound with a predeterminedthreshold for the remote sound. When the amplitude of the detectedremote sound exceeds the threshold for the remote sound, and whencontroller 431 permits, remote sound gating module 451 is turned on.When the amplitude of the detected remote sound drops below thethreshold for the remote sound, remote sound gating module 451 is turnedoff. In one embodiment, after the amplitude of the detected remote sounddrops below the threshold for the remote sound, remote sound gatingmodule 451 is turned off after a predetermined delay.

In another embodiment, remote sound gating module 451 includes a switchor attenuator driven by the detection of the incoming wireless signalrepresenting the remote sound. Remote sound gating module 451 is turnedon upon detection of the incoming wireless signal when controller 431permits, and turned off when the incoming wireless signal is no longerdetected. In one embodiment, remote sound gating module 451 is turnedoff after the incoming wireless signal is absent for a predeterminedperiod.

Controller 431 coordinates the on/off states of all the gating modulesso the sounds are processed in an orderly fashion. Even if a sound isdetected, the gating module corresponding to that sound is turned ononly when controller 431 permits. In one embodiment, assuming thatsounds A and B are gated by gating modules A and B, respectively, ifboth sounds A and B are detected, whichever sound is detected earlier isgated on. That is, if sound A exceeds its threshold first, gating moduleA is turned on and remain on until sound A drops below threshold A.Then, gating module B is turned only if sound B exceeds its thresholdafter gating module A has been turn off.

In one embodiment, controller 431 coordinates the on/off states of allthe gating modules according to predetermined or programmed gatingcoordination rules. According to one exemplary rule, ambient soundgating module 421 is off, occluded sound gating module 441 is off, andremote sound gating module 451 is on. This rule allows only thetransmission of the remote sound to ear canal 303, and prevents theremote sound from being detected by ear canal microphone 440 and echoedback to remote device 190. According to another exemplary rule, ambientsound gating module 421 is on, occluded sound gating module 441 is off,and remote sound gating module 451 is on. This rule allows thetransmission of both the remote sound and the ambient sound to ear canal303, and prevents the remote sound from being detected by ear canalmicrophone 440 and echoed back to remote device 190. This also preventsthe ambient sound from being transmitted to remote device 190. Accordingto yet another exemplary rule, ambient sound gating module 421 is off,occluded sound gating module 441 is on, and remote sound gating module451 is off. When the person wearing ear-level device 110 speaks, bothexternal microphone 420 and ear canal microphone 440 detect the voice.The voice as detected by ear-level device 110 is first transmitted toremote device 190. Without the gating modules (or when ambient soundgating module 421 and occluded sound gating module 441 are both on), thesame voice as detected by external microphone 420 is transmitted to earcanal 303, and therefore again detected by ear canal microphone 440, andagain be transmitted to remote device 190. This rule allows only thetransmission of the occluded sound to remote device 190, and preventsthe same sound from being transmitted to remote device 190 twice. Otherrules are applied as a person skilled in the art should see fit based onan understanding after reading this entire document.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the circuit ofear-level device shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, or 3C used as each of ear-leveldevices 210A and 210B. The circuit of each of ear-level devices 210A and210B is housed in an earmold configured for use as of one of the devicetypes illustrated as ear-level devices 310A, 310B, or 310C.

Ear-level device 21 OA is an audio transmitter that includes an earcanal microphone 540, a processor 560A, a wireless transmitter 550A, anantenna 555A, a transmitter VOX circuit 530A, and a battery 580A. Earcanal microphone 540 detects sound from the ear canal. The soundincludes primarily speech of the person wearing ear-level device 210A.Processor 560A converts the sound picked up from the ear canal to anelectrical signal to be transmitted to remote device 290. In oneembodiment, processor 560A includes one or more of amplificationcircuitry, filtering circuitry, acoustic feedback reduction circuitry,noise reduction circuitry, and tone control circuitry, among othercircuits performing signal processing functions as known in the art. Inone embodiment, processor 560A includes a speech recognition module usedto enhance the sound transmitted from ear-level device 210A. Wirelesstransmitter 550A and antenna 555A form a telemetry interface supportingsignal transmission from ear-level device 210A to remote device 290.Wireless transmitter 550A receives the electrical signal representingthe sound picked up from the ear canal from processor 560A and transmitsan outgoing wireless signal representing the same sound to remote device290. VOX circuit 530A activates a major portion of ear-level device 210Aonly when sound is detected by ear canal microphone 540. In oneembodiment, VOX circuit 530A includes a voice-controlled switchconnecting between battery 580A and the portions of ear-level device210A that are voice activated. The switch is driven by the sounddetected by ear canal microphone 540. It is turned on when sounddetected by ear canal microphone 540 exceeds a predetermined threshold.In one embodiment, VOX circuit 530A activates processor 560A when thesound is detected. In one further embodiment, VOX circuit 530A alsoactivates wireless transmitter 550A when the sound is detected. Battery580A supplies the power needed for the operation of ear-level device210A. In one embodiment, battery 580A is a rechargeable battery that canbe recharged without being taken out from ear-level device 210A.

Ear-level device 210B is an audio receiver that includes an externalmicrophone 520, an ear canal speaker 570, a processor 560B, a wirelessreceiver 550B, an antenna 555B, a receiver VOX circuit 530B, and abattery 580B. External microphone 520 picks up ambient sound such thatthe person wearing ear-level devices 210A and 210B is not “isolated”when communicating to remote device 290. It allows that person to talkto a nearby person directly, without the need to take off ear-leveldevices 210A and/or 210B. Ear canal speaker 570 transmits sound receivedfrom remote device 290 and/or external microphone 520 to the same earcanal. Processor 560B converts the signals received from remote device290 and/or external microphone 520 to a sound audible to the personwearing ear-level device 210B. In one embodiment, processor 560Bincludes one or more of amplification circuitry, filtering circuitry,acoustic feedback reduction circuitry, noise reduction circuitry, andtone control circuitry, among other circuits performing signalprocessing functions as known in the art. In one embodiment, processor560B includes a speech recognition module used to enhance the audiosignals received by ear-level device 210B. Wireless receiver 550B andantenna 555B form a telemetry interface supporting signal transmissionfrom remote device 290 to ear-level device 210B. Wireless receiver 550Breceives an incoming wireless signal representing a remote sound fromremote device 290 and transmits an electrical signal representing theremote sound to processor 560B. VOX circuit 530B activates a majorportion of ear-level device 110 only when sound is detected by at leastone of external microphone 520 and wireless receiver 550B. In oneembodiment, VOX circuit 530B includes a voice-controlled switchconnecting between battery 580B and the portions of ear-level device210B that are voice activated. The switch is driven by the sounddetected by at least one of external microphone 520 and wirelessreceiver 550B. It is turned on when sound detected by externalmicrophone 520 exceeds a predetermined threshold and/or when wirelesstransceiver 550B receives the incoming wireless signal representing theremote sound. In one embodiment, VOX circuit 530B activates processor560B when the sound is detected. In one further embodiment, VOX circuit530B also activates ear-level speaker 570 when the sound is detected.Battery 580B supplies the power needed for the operation of ear-leveldevice 210B. In one embodiment, battery 580B

is a rechargeable battery that can be recharged without being taken outfrom ear-level device 210B.

System 200 accommodates a larger overall circuit size withoutnecessarily increasing the size of each ITE device. While two separateear-level devices are required, because system 200 includes separateaudio transmitter (ear-level device 210A) and receiver (ear-level device210B) disposed in the ear canals of opposite ears, ear canal speaker 570and ear canal microphone 540 do not form a loop causing echo andringing.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exemplary exterior configuration of anear-level device including a behind-the-ear (BTE) device 610 used asear-level device 110 or one of ear-level devices 210A and 210B. BTEdevice 610 is attached to ear 101 with pinna 302 and ear canal 303. Inone embodiment, BTE device 610 is used when none of ITE device 310A, ITCdevice 310B, and CIC device 310C provides sufficient space accommodatingthe required circuit and battery sizes. For the purpose of thisdocument, only a device attached to a right ear is shown for eachexterior structure. It is to be understood that each of ear-leveldevices 110, 210A, and 210B can be either a BTE device configured forright ear attachment or a BTE device configured for left ear attachment.Generally, a BTE device configured for right ear attachment has asubstantially symmetrical appearance to a device of the same typeconfigured for left ear attachment. In system 100, ear-level device 110is a device configured either for right ear attachment or for left earattachment. In system 200, either one of ear-level device 210A and 210Bis a device structured for right ear attachment, while the other is adevice structured for left ear attachment.

BTE device 610 includes a behind-the-ear module (BTE module) 611 and anin-the-ear module (ITE module) 612. ITE module 612 includes a custom ormodular earmold. In one embodiment, the earmold is fully occluded tomaximize audio efficiency. In another embodiment, the earmold is ventedto remove undesirable low frequency sound.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the circuit ofear-level device shown in FIG. 6 used as ear-level device 110. Theexterior configuration of ear-level device 110 is of the typeillustrated as BTE device 610.

Ear-level device 110 configured as BTE device 610 differs from ear-leveldevice 110 configured as ITE/ITC/CIC devices 310A/310B/310C primarily inthe physical arrangement of device components. By way of example, butnot by way of limitation, FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment in which BTEmodule 611 includes external microphone 420, processor 460, wirelesstransceiver 450, antenna 455, VOX circuit 430, and battery 480, and ITEmodule 612 includes ear canal microphone 440 and ear canal speaker 470.Other possible embodiments depend on size and other considerations thatare known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, behind-earportion 611 includes only battery 480 to maximize the duration of use ofear-level device 110 between battery replacements or recharges.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the circuit ofear-level device shown in FIG. 6 used as each of ear-level devices 210Aand 210B. The exterior configuration of each of ear-level devices 210Aand 210B is of the type illustrated as BTE device 610.

Ear-level devices 210A/210B configured as BTE device 610 differ fromear-level devices 210A/210B configured as ITE/ITC/CIC devices310A/310B/310C primarily in the physical arrangement of devicecomponents. By way of example, but not by way of limitation, FIG. 8illustrates one embodiment of ear-level device 210A including a BTEmodule 611A and an ITE module 612A, and ear-level device 210B includinga BTE module 611B and an ITE module 612B. BTE module 611A includesprocessor 560A, wireless transmitter 550A, antenna 555A, transmitter VOXcircuit 530A, and battery 580A. ITE module 612A includes ear canalmicrophone 540. Behind-the-ear portion 611B includes external microphone520, processor 560B, wireless receiver 550B, antenna 555B, receiver VOXcircuit 530B, and battery 580B. ITE module 612B includes ear canalspeaker 570. Other possible embodiments depend on size and otherconsiderations that are known to those skilled in the art. In oneembodiment, BTE modules 611A and 611B include only batteries 580A and580B, respectively, to maximize the duration of use of ear-level devices210A and 210B, respectively, between battery replacements or recharges.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for audiocommunication using system 100 or system 200. The method provides forprivate, simultaneous two-way communication between a person and aremote device such as a computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), acellular phone, a walkie talkie, or a language translator. In thisembodiment, VOX is used for power management. A VOX circuit includes apower switch connecting a battery to the portions of the circuit ofsystem 100 or system 200 that are voice activated. The VOX is “on” whenthe voice-activated portions of the circuit are activated, i.e., whenthe power switch remains on. It is “started” by turning on the powerswitch, and “stopped” by turning off the power switch.

Steps 910-918 illustrate the process of detecting a sound from an earcanal and transmitting it to a remote device. A microphone disposed inan ear canal detects an occluded sound within the ear canal at 910. Ifthe occluded sound is detected at 911, the VOX of the system is startedat 912 if it is not already on. The occluded sound is enhanced at 914with a voice recognition system that improves the signal-to-noise ratio,where the signal is the voice of a speech, and the noise is any soundother than the voice of the speech. The occluded sound is then convertedto an outgoing radio signal at 916. The outgoing radio signalrepresenting the occluded sound is transmitted to the remote device at918.

Steps 920-928 illustrate the process of detecting a sound sent from theremote device and transmitting it to the ear canal. A radio receiverdetects an incoming radio signal representing a remote sound from theremote device at 920. If the incoming radio signal is detected at 921,the VOX of the system is started at 922 if it is not already on. Theincoming radio signal is converted to a first incoming audio signal (theremote sound) at 924. The first incoming audio signal is enhanced at 926with a voice recognition system that improves the signal-to-noise ratio,where the signal is the voice from the remote device, and the noise isany sound other than the voice. A speaker disposed in the ear canaltransmits the first incoming audio signal representing the sound fromthe remote device to the ear canal at 928.

Steps 930-938 illustrate the process of detecting a sound from theenvironment and transmit it to the ear canal. A microphone outside theear canal detects an ambient sound at 930. If the ambient sound isdetected at 931, the VOX of the system is started at 932 if it is notalready on. The ambient sound is converted to a second incoming audiosignal at 934. The second incoming audio signal is enhanced at 936 witha voice recognition system that improves the signal-to-noise ratio,where the signal is any voice included in the ambient sound, and thenoise is any sound other than the voice. A speaker disposed in the earcanal transmits the second incoming audio signal representing to the earcanal at 928.

If no signal (sound or radio signal) is detected at 911, 921, and 931,the VOX is stopped at 940. In other words, if no sound is to beprocessed, the communication system is inactivated except for theportions that must be active for sound detection at all times. In oneembodiment, the VOX is stopped after a predetermined period of time toavoid frequent activation/deactivation during a conversation.

Systems 100 and 200 are each a full duplex system capable of performingsteps 910-918, 920-928, and 930-938 are performed in parallel andsimultaneously. In an embodiment in which system 100 performs themethod, ear-level device 110 performs steps 910-918, 920-928, and930-938. If a signal is detected at 911, 921, or 931, VOX 430 activatesat least portions of device 110 performing steps 914-918, 924-928, or934-938, respectively. If no signal is detected at 911, 921, or 931, VOX430 deactivates at least the portions of device 110 performing steps914-918, 924-928, or 934-938, respectively.

In an embodiment in which system 200 performs the method, ear-leveldevice 210A performs steps 910-918, and ear-level device 210B performssteps 920-928 and 930-930. If a signal is detected at 911, transmitterVOX 530A activates at least portions of device 210A performing steps914-918. If a signal is detected at 921 or 931, receiver VOX 530Bactivates at least portions of device 210B performing steps 924-928 or934-938, respectively. If no signal is detected at 911, transmitter VOX530A deactivates at least the portions of device 210A performing steps914-918. If no signal is detected at 921 or 931, receiver VOX 530Bdeactivates at least the portions of device 210B performing steps924-928 or 934-938, respectively.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating another embodiment of the methodfor audio communication using system 100. In this embodiment, inaddition to power management, the VOX is also used for gating, i.e.,blanking or attenuating, sounds. The VOX circuit includes a power switchconnecting a battery to the portions of the circuit of system 100 thatare voice activated and gating modules capable of blanking orattenuating the occluded sound, the remote sound, and the ambient sound.Examples of such gating modules include occluded sound gating module441, remote sound gating module 451, and ambient sound gating module421, designated for the occluded sound, the remote sound, and theambient sound, respectively.

Steps 1010-1019 illustrate the process of detecting the occluded soundfrom the ear canal and transmitting it to the remote device. Themicrophone disposed in the ear canal detects the occluded sound withinthe ear canal at 1010. If the occluded sound is detected at 1011, theVOX of the system is started to power the voice-activated portions ofthe circuit of system 100 at 1012 if they are not already powered. TheVOX determines whether to start gating the occluded sound on at 1013. Inone embodiment, the occluded sound is gated on when its amplitudeexceeds a predetermined threshold and when the effective gatingcoordination rule permits. Examples of gating coordination rules aredescribed above with respect to FIG. 4B. If the occluded sound is gatedon at 1013, it is processed at 1014 by following steps that areidentical or similar to steps 914-916-918. The occluded sound is gatedoff at 1019 if it has been gated on but is no longer detected. In oneembodiment, the occluded sound is gated off after it is not detected fora predetermined period.

Steps 1020-1028 illustrate the process of detecting the remote soundsent from the remote device and transmitting it to the ear canal. Aradio receiver detects the incoming radio signal representing the remotesound from the remote device at 1020. If the remote sound is detected at1021, the VOX of the system is started to power the voice-activatedportions of the circuit of system 100 at 1022 if they are not alreadypowered. The VOX determines whether to start gating the remote sound onat 1023. In one embodiment, the remote sound is gated on when itsamplitude exceeds a predetermined threshold and when the effectivegating coordination rule permits. In another embodiment, the remotesound is gated on when the incoming radio signal is detected and whenthe effective gating coordination rules permits. If the remote sound isgated on at 1023, it is processed at 1024 by following steps that areidentical or similar to steps 924-926-928. The remote sound is gated offat 1029 if it has been gated on but is no longer detected. In oneembodiment, the remote sound is gated off after it is not detected for apredetermined period.

Steps 1030-1038 illustrate the process of detecting the ambient soundand transmit it to the ear canal. A microphone outside the ear canaldetects the ambient sound at 1030. If the ambient sound is detected at1031, the VOX of the system is started to power the voice-activatedportions of the circuit of system 100 at 1032 if they are not alreadypowered. The VOX determines whether to start gating the ambient sound onat 1033. In one embodiment, the ambient sound is gated on when itsamplitude exceeds a predetermined threshold and when the effectivegating coordination rule permits. If the ambient sound is gated on at1033, it is processed at 1034 by following steps that are identical orsimilar to steps 934-936-938. The ambient sound is gated off at 1039 ifit has been gated on but is no longer detected. In one embodiment, theambient sound is gated off after it is not detected for a predeterminedperiod.

If no signal (sound or radio signal) is detected at 1011, 1021, and1031, the VOX is stopped at 1040. In other words, if no sound is to beprocessed, the communication system is inactivated except for theportions that must be active for sound detection at all times. In oneembodiment, the VOX is stopped after a predetermined period of time toavoid frequent activation/deactivation during a conversation.

It is to be understood that the above detailed description is intendedto be illustrative, and not restrictive. Other embodiments will beapparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding theabove description. For example, two ear-level devices 110, or a pair ofdevices each being similar to ear-level device 110, can be used todeliver a stereo sound. The scope of the invention should, therefore, bedetermined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullscope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

1. A system adapted for use in an ear having an ear canal, comprising: afirst microphone adapted for use in the ear canal, the first microphoneadapted to receive an occluded sound from about the ear canal; a speakeradapted for use in the ear canal, the speaker adapted to transmit aprocessed remote sound to the ear canal, a processor coupled to thefirst microphone and the speaker, the processor adapted to process theoccluded sound and the remote sound; a wireless transceiver connected tothe processor, the wireless transceiver adapted to receive the processedoccluded sound from the processor, transmit a first wireless signalrepresenting the occluded sound, and receive a second wireless signalrepresenting the remote sound; a voice operated exchange (VOX) circuitconnected to the processor, the VOX circuit including: an occluded soundgating module coupled to the first microphone, the occluded sound gatingmodule adapted to blank or substantially attenuate the occluded sound;and a remote sound gating module coupled to the wireless receiver, theremote sound gating module adapted to blank or substantially attenuatethe remote sound; and an earmold housing the first microphone, thespeaker, the processor, the wireless transceiver, and the VOX circuit,the earmold configured for use as an in-the-ear (ITE) device.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the first microphone and the speaker includeone common device receiving the occluded sound and transmitting theprocessed remote sound.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising asecond microphone connected to the processor, the second microphoneadapted to receive an ambient sound from outside the ear canal, andwherein: the processor further processes the ambient sound; the speakeris configured to transmit the processed second and ambient sounds to theear canal; and the VOX circuit further comprises an ambient sound gatingmodule coupled to the second microphone, the ambient sound gating moduleadapted to blank or substantially attenuate the ambient sound.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the processor comprises a speech recognitionmodule.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the earmold is configured foruse as an in-the-canal (ITC) device.
 6. The system of claim 5, whereinthe earmold is configured for use as a completely-in-the-canal (CIC)device.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a remote devicecommunicatively coupled to the wireless transceiver via a telemetry linkproviding for simultaneous bi-directional communication.
 8. The systemof claim 7, wherein the remote device comprises at least one of acomputer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, a walkietalkie, or a language translator.
 9. A system adapted for use in andabout an ear having an ear canal, comprising: an in-the-ear (ITE) moduleincluding: a first microphone adapted for use in the ear canal, thefirst microphone adapted to receive an occluded sound from about the earcanal; and a speaker adapted for use in the ear canal, the speakeradapted to transmit a processed remote sound to the ear canal, abehind-the-ear (BTE) module attached to the ITE module, the BTE moduleincluding: a processor coupled to the first microphone and the speaker,the processor adapted to process the occluded sound and the remotesound; a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor, the wirelesstransceiver adapted to receive the processed occluded sound from theprocessor, transmit a first wireless signal representing the occludedsound, and receive a second wireless signal representing the remotesound; a voice operated exchange (VOX) circuit coupled to the processor,the VOX circuit including: an occluded sound gating module coupled tothe first microphone, the occluded sound gating module adapted to blankor substantially attenuate the occluded sound; and a remote sound gatingmodule coupled to the wireless transceiver, the remote sound gatingmodule adapted to blank or substantially attenuate the remote sound. 10.The system of claim 9, wherein the first microphone and the speakerinclude one common device receiving the occluded sound and transmittingthe processed remote sound.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the BTEmodule comprises a second microphone connected to the processor, thesecond microphone adapted to receive an ambient sound from outside theear canal, and wherein: the first processor further processes theambient sound; and the speaker is configured to transmit the processedsecond and ambient sounds to the ear canal, and the VOX circuit furthercomprises an ambient sound gating module coupled to the secondmicrophone, the ambient sound gating module adapted to blank orsubstantially attenuate the ambient sound.
 12. The system of claim 9,wherein the processor comprises a speech recognition module.
 13. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the BTE module comprises a rechargeablebattery.
 14. The system of claim 9, further comprising a remote devicecommunicatively coupled to the wireless transceiver via a telemetry linkproviding for simultaneous bi-directional communication.
 15. The systemof claim 14, wherein the remote device comprises at least one of acomputer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, a walkietalkie, or a language translator.
 16. A method, comprising: detecting anoccluded sound using a first microphone adapted for use in an ear canal;detecting an incoming radio signal representing a remote sound from theremote device; starting a voice operated exchange (VOX) housed within anear-level communication device when at least one of the occluded soundand the incoming radio signal is detected if the VOX is not already on,the ear-level communication device being one of an in-the-ear (ITE)device and a behind-the-ear (BTE) device; gating the occluded sound on,and gating the remote sound off, when the occluded sound is detectedwhile the incoming radio signal is not detected; and gating the remotesound on, and gating the occluded sound off, when the incoming radiosignal is detected while the occluded sound is not detected.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein detecting the occluded sound comprisescomparing an amplitude of the occluded sound to an occluded soundthreshold, wherein the occluded sound is detected when the amplitude ofthe occluded sound exceeds the occluded sound threshold.
 18. The methodof claim 17, wherein detecting the incoming radio signal comprisescomparing an amplitude of the remote sound to a remote sound threshold,wherein the incoming radio signal is detected when the amplitude of theremote sound exceeds the remote sound threshold.
 19. The method of claim16, further comprising detecting an ambient sound using a secondmicrophone, and wherein starting the VOX comprises starting the VOX whenat least one of the occluded sound, the incoming radio signal, and theambient sound is detected if the VOX is not already on.
 20. The methodof claim 19, further comprising gating the occluded sound off, gatingthe remote sound on, and gating the ambient sound off, when the incomingradio signal is detected while the occluded sound is not detected. 21.The method of claim 19, further comprising gating the occluded soundoff, gating the remote sound on, and gating the ambient sound on, whenthe incoming radio signal is detected while the occluded sound is notdetected.
 22. The method of claim 19, further comprising gating theoccluded sound on, gating the remote sound off, and gating the ambientsound off, when the occluded sound is detected while the incoming radiosignal is not detected.